Online registration under way for July 2010 Empire State Games

by jmaloni

Thu, May 20th 2010 09:00 am

Registration for this
summer's 2010 Empire State Games is now under way online at
www.empirestategames.org.

Organizers report that
while the statewide amateur athletic competition won't be staged in the
Buffalo/Niagara Region until July 21-25, many of the scholastic and open events
will hold tryouts in May and June. Sign-ups for men's weight lifting and
bowling closed the first week of May.

"Tryout season for the
games gets into full swing in the six weeks, so it's critical for athletes
interested in scholastic and open divisions to be aware of the sign-up
deadlines and the tryout dates. We want New Yorkers who want to compete to
complete their registrations in time to be part of this tremendous event," said
Ralph Galanti, chairman, of the local organizing committee for the Buffalo 2010
Games.

Most masters division
competitors do not need to go through a tryout process, and have until July 5
to register. However, athletes planning to compete in rugby and volleyball will
be selected via tryouts. A handful of masters events also require membership in
the national associations governing the sports. Those sports include cycling,
boxing and judo.

The registration fee
for scholastic and open events is $10 and can be paid online with a credit or
debit card. There is a $40 fee for open bowling. The entry fee for masters
events is $40.

During the
registration process, open division athletes are given the option of paying a
$25 housing fee. All participants can pre-order ESG sweat suits and T-shirts at
the time of registration. Athletes who are not able to register via the
Internet should call ESG offices at 518-474-8889.

Full details on all
events, eligibility requirements, and tryout dates and venues can be found on
the games Web site, www.empirestategames.org.

On March 24,
Buffalo-based First Niagara Financial Group, Inc. announced it was donating
$500,000 to underwrite the 2010 Empire State Games and promote the long-term
viability of the state's annual winter and senior games, as well as the games
for the physically challenged.

First Niagara's
donation represents half of the funds necessary for this year's $1 million
fundraising goal established by the state Office of Parks, Recreation and
Historic Preservation in September 2009.

It's estimated the 2010 summer games will
generate close to $15 million for the Western New York community, drawing some
6,000 athletes, plus their families and friends.